Sep 15, 2011
Daily dose of hilarity
If you haven't read the following post by The Bloggess, you really should jump to it now. I laughed so hard I cried! Hysterically funny,and nothing any of us haven't thought towards our husbands before. I even had my husband read it and he laughed tearfully too. You really must read it NOW!
5 question friday...ahem, wednesday...ahem, Thursday
In my brain it's still Wednesday, but I suppose it's technically Thursday by the clock. I'll start 5 question on Fridays next week. This week Friday is going to be CRA-ZY! Happy Purple Friday in advance! ;)
1. What ringtone do you have on your cell phone?
The TCU fightsong. Rah Rah TCU!
2. What is your favorite memory from this summer?
Watching a glacier calve as I stood on the topmost deck of a cruise ship. Flippin' amazing!
3. Paper books or ebooks?
Okay, so 99x out of 100 I'm going to say paper. I love the feel of a book, the smell of a book, but I have to tell you that after sitting in a chair nursing my Bean and holding an ebook reader in one hand and not fumbling....I'm sold. Nook, here I come!
4. If you could have one home upgrade what would it be and why?
Can I not pick the entire house?! I suppose for now it would be the master bath...due to the little mold problem we are having. Oy. Plus, whatever architect built our "custom home", must have flunked actual architecture school. Seriously, who puts one electrical outlet in a master bath?!
5. When was your first serious boyfriend/girlfriend?
6th grade. He was the coolest skater boy in school. We wrote notes to each other every single day. It'd be fun to read just one of those all these years later.
1. What ringtone do you have on your cell phone?
The TCU fightsong. Rah Rah TCU!
2. What is your favorite memory from this summer?
Watching a glacier calve as I stood on the topmost deck of a cruise ship. Flippin' amazing!
3. Paper books or ebooks?
Okay, so 99x out of 100 I'm going to say paper. I love the feel of a book, the smell of a book, but I have to tell you that after sitting in a chair nursing my Bean and holding an ebook reader in one hand and not fumbling....I'm sold. Nook, here I come!
4. If you could have one home upgrade what would it be and why?
Can I not pick the entire house?! I suppose for now it would be the master bath...due to the little mold problem we are having. Oy. Plus, whatever architect built our "custom home", must have flunked actual architecture school. Seriously, who puts one electrical outlet in a master bath?!
5. When was your first serious boyfriend/girlfriend?
6th grade. He was the coolest skater boy in school. We wrote notes to each other every single day. It'd be fun to read just one of those all these years later.
Sep 11, 2011
Remembering 911: A world changed
On 9/11/2001 I was 25 years old, living in Lewisville, TX. I'd recently lost my job due to reorg and was working as a manager at the Ann Taylor Loft in the nearby mall. That day was my day off. I'd intended to sleep late and then work on a grad school project. However, my store manager scheduled a 9am meeting for that morning. I was slightly irritated to have to get up so early on my day off. My alarm blared in my ears at 730 am. Groggily, I got out of bed after hitting snooze once, and turned the radio on. The DJs were frantically talking about a building that had been hit by an airplane. "In Dallas?" I thought. No, in New York. I ran into my living room to turn on my TV. Just as I did, I watched the second plane hit the south WTC building. Was I dreaming? I was paralyzed. This was frightening. I couldn't move. I just stared at those two buildings in flames. Somehow, I managed to put on clothes and pull my hair into a ponytail. I raced up to the store and into the back room where my store manager and the other assistant manager were standing in disbelief, staring at the TV. We hugged and stood in silence. Not one of us moved or said a word for the next 15 minutes. Then we saw the south tower fall. I remember saying, "Did that tower just fall?" It was unbelievable. How could this happen? How could a building that size crumble like a sandcastle? I immediately was frightened for my family. My parents worked for the national laboratories, on national defense projects. Who was to say that an attack wasn't focused there too?! I immediately grabbed the phone and dialed my Mom. For one whole hour I couldn't reach my parents. With the fall of the second tower, and the report of the plane hitting the pentagon, a very loud announcement came through the mall. So loud we could hear it in our back room. They were evacuating the mall. It was shutting down for the day, maybe longer.
On September 11, I'd only known Brad for 10 days. We'd only been dating for a week. He did call me, to make sure I was okay. I think he could hear the fear in my voice. I wouldn't talk to him again for several days. I spent the day glued to the TV. When I laid down at night I was petrified. I was so scared that terrorists would storm my apartment and kill me. I remember lying in my bed and crying. I'd never been so scared in my entire life. At 2 am I got up out of my bed, grabbed my dog, ran to my car, and drove to my sister's house 5 minutes away. She let me in and just held me as I sobbed. I slept on the futon in her spare room for the next week and a half. I only returned to my apartment to drop off or pick up my dog, and to get clean clothes.
Brad took me on a date to see the Stars play at a very new American Airlines Center. I remember being scared of being in large crowds of people, for fear something would happen. I let my entire family know where I'd be, for fear that if there was some terrorist action at the game, that my family would have no question about where I was.
My nieces were 4 and 5 at the time of the attacks. They were at school when it happened. They had no idea. I remember having hushed conversations with my sister and my brother in law. What did we tell them? What didn't we tell them? How do we explain this? Why am I staying at the house when i live 5 minutes away? They were my solace in that time. Their innocence was a breath of fresh air. I spent hours watching them play and laugh, completely unaware of the devastation and fear all around them in the world. It was difficult to put on a brave face in those first few weeks, in front of my nieces. We had to make sure they were not scared.
There was a moment in the few days afterwards, when I was outside with my dog, and I realized that we lived in a whole different world... a world that had lost it's innocence. A world where we had to be cautious at every turn. A world of people who were uninterested in the value of human life. Perhaps these were always true statements, but they were blaring me in the face every second after 9/11. We ceased to live in a world where an airplane ride was something fun. Now we lived in a world where you looked at each and every face in the plane. Who could be a potential terrorist? If something happened, who would be willing to get up and fight? And it seemed to me that politically, the country had developed a deep chasm between liberals and conservatives. Had the terrorists succeeded in dividing the country, causing a war on our own soil.
My children will never know the pre 9/11 world. The norms as they are now, is what they will always know. It makes me very sad. I will never ever forget the events that unfolded. I will never forget the brave men and women who risked their lives to save others. I will never forget the sacrifices that the first responders made, or the tough decisions our president made to lead our country in the hours, days, weeks, months, and years following. I will never forget the soldiers who courageously went to war to secure a safe world for our country. I will never forget 9/11 and what it means. I will never forget the way our country banded together amidst the hurt and sorrow and shouted to the terrorists that we would not sit idle and be scared. Collectively we yelled, "Let's Roll!"
On September 11, I'd only known Brad for 10 days. We'd only been dating for a week. He did call me, to make sure I was okay. I think he could hear the fear in my voice. I wouldn't talk to him again for several days. I spent the day glued to the TV. When I laid down at night I was petrified. I was so scared that terrorists would storm my apartment and kill me. I remember lying in my bed and crying. I'd never been so scared in my entire life. At 2 am I got up out of my bed, grabbed my dog, ran to my car, and drove to my sister's house 5 minutes away. She let me in and just held me as I sobbed. I slept on the futon in her spare room for the next week and a half. I only returned to my apartment to drop off or pick up my dog, and to get clean clothes.
Brad took me on a date to see the Stars play at a very new American Airlines Center. I remember being scared of being in large crowds of people, for fear something would happen. I let my entire family know where I'd be, for fear that if there was some terrorist action at the game, that my family would have no question about where I was.
My nieces were 4 and 5 at the time of the attacks. They were at school when it happened. They had no idea. I remember having hushed conversations with my sister and my brother in law. What did we tell them? What didn't we tell them? How do we explain this? Why am I staying at the house when i live 5 minutes away? They were my solace in that time. Their innocence was a breath of fresh air. I spent hours watching them play and laugh, completely unaware of the devastation and fear all around them in the world. It was difficult to put on a brave face in those first few weeks, in front of my nieces. We had to make sure they were not scared.
There was a moment in the few days afterwards, when I was outside with my dog, and I realized that we lived in a whole different world... a world that had lost it's innocence. A world where we had to be cautious at every turn. A world of people who were uninterested in the value of human life. Perhaps these were always true statements, but they were blaring me in the face every second after 9/11. We ceased to live in a world where an airplane ride was something fun. Now we lived in a world where you looked at each and every face in the plane. Who could be a potential terrorist? If something happened, who would be willing to get up and fight? And it seemed to me that politically, the country had developed a deep chasm between liberals and conservatives. Had the terrorists succeeded in dividing the country, causing a war on our own soil.
My children will never know the pre 9/11 world. The norms as they are now, is what they will always know. It makes me very sad. I will never ever forget the events that unfolded. I will never forget the brave men and women who risked their lives to save others. I will never forget the sacrifices that the first responders made, or the tough decisions our president made to lead our country in the hours, days, weeks, months, and years following. I will never forget the soldiers who courageously went to war to secure a safe world for our country. I will never forget 9/11 and what it means. I will never forget the way our country banded together amidst the hurt and sorrow and shouted to the terrorists that we would not sit idle and be scared. Collectively we yelled, "Let's Roll!"
Jun 19, 2011
Jun 16, 2011
Jun 12, 2011
Day 18 : 60 Days of photos
Day 18 : A photo of your biggest insecurity
My biggest insecurity is my face. There are a myriad of things I see wrong when I look at myself. I pretty much hate every single picture taken of me for the past several years. I have a habit of eluding the camera these days. I shouldn't, because these years with my children are precious. I could pick apart my face and tell you everything wrong with it. It seems, as I've gotten older, that features on my face have become more exaggerated or are different, in bad ways. Example, my eyebrows grow all funny now. I fight with them constantly. Hairs are growing in directions I DON'T want them to go.
I have a terrible tendency of comparing myself to other women. Her eyes are bigger, prettier; her hair is shinier, less crazy and out of control; her teeth are perfect, whiter; her nose is smaller, perkier...it goes on and on. I have a horrible time remembering that God made me ME. Fearfully and Wonderfully made.
I tell my babies how beautiful they are every single day. I don't want them to ever have low self-esteem. I don't want them to be cocky or arrogant, but I want them to know how perfectly beautiful and fearfully and wonderfully made they are.
Jun 11, 2011
New Songs
It was time to update the songs on my blog. I've been exploring new music. I love the Shazam app on my phone. Hear a song and I can automatically search it. Awesome for movies. It'll even find songs that only 3 seconds of the song plays. So enjoy what's here. Of course I had to start off with Adele. Her voice is so haunting, but I seriously love her. I could OD on her CDs. She absolutely moves me. I'm sad I couldn't add Tim Halperin's new song onto my playlist. So instead go check it out here. He's a TCU Alum (and yes was on American Idol), and supposedly this video was all shot in FW. LOVE!
May 8, 2011
Day 17 : 60 Day Photo Challenge
Day 17 : A picture of someone that has made a huge impact on your life recently
Sadly, my sweet and lovely Uncle Mike passed away today. He had the funniest laugh that I loved hearing. I'm going to miss it. Our family will feel a little more empty. It doesn't seem quite real yet. He loved Ketchup on everything. I'll remember you every time I use Ketchup, Uncle Mike. I know you will be enjoying your time with Gilbert, Grandma, Aunt Pat, and Jesus until we see you again.
Sadly, my sweet and lovely Uncle Mike passed away today. He had the funniest laugh that I loved hearing. I'm going to miss it. Our family will feel a little more empty. It doesn't seem quite real yet. He loved Ketchup on everything. I'll remember you every time I use Ketchup, Uncle Mike. I know you will be enjoying your time with Gilbert, Grandma, Aunt Pat, and Jesus until we see you again.
Apr 22, 2011
Day 16 : 60 days of photos
Day 16 - a photo of someone who inspires you
Yes, I've slacked on my 60 days of photos entries. All I can say is life happens. This one is more than me just posting a photo and moving on. Who inspires me? The women in my life that are amazing mothers. They all have different situations, and inspire me in different ways, but all have multiple children and are amazing women and mothers.
Bobbye:
She is ALWAYS cooking something super yummy. Seriously, her FB status, at least 3 times a week, includes some delicious dish/snack she's whipped up. And Momma has 3 little girls, all super close in age...the youngest being just months older than my bean. I do good just to get a shower during the day. Bobbye also inspired me to use cloth diapers. You've created a fluff monster Bobbye!
Bonnie:
Yes, I've slacked on my 60 days of photos entries. All I can say is life happens. This one is more than me just posting a photo and moving on. Who inspires me? The women in my life that are amazing mothers. They all have different situations, and inspire me in different ways, but all have multiple children and are amazing women and mothers.
Bobbye:
She is ALWAYS cooking something super yummy. Seriously, her FB status, at least 3 times a week, includes some delicious dish/snack she's whipped up. And Momma has 3 little girls, all super close in age...the youngest being just months older than my bean. I do good just to get a shower during the day. Bobbye also inspired me to use cloth diapers. You've created a fluff monster Bobbye!
Bonnie:
Bonnie is the do it all mom. I wish I could be a fly in her house during the day to see how she does it all. She runs half marathons, gets in a morning run every single day, loves on and cares for her 3 kiddos under 6, cooks, cleans, super gardens, and is a dynamite Proverbs 31 wife every day. I'm not sure there isn't' anything she can't do! She's inspired me to not get the best of myself and remember it's possible with God, always!
Janet:
Janet is my surrogate Mom, away from Mom. How blessed I've been to have her in my life the last several years. I miss her now that I don't see her as much. She has 6 kids! 5 beautiful girls and 1 amazing son. We love her oldest daughter, Megan, who is the Petite's most favorite babysitter in all the world. Janet home schools all her kids (how I wish I was so adept), serves faithfully in all aspects at our church, and is super mom to her incredible children. You will never meet children so polite, kind, rooted, loving, and yielded as her children. I pray with all my might that my girls are even half as wonderful as hers. Plus, Janet makes some killer homemade chicken noodle soup.
Kristy:
3 kids in one family is hard enough, but 3 kids in a blended family makes things even more interesting. Kristy has 2 beautiful older kids and one small little fry who is a precious angel. She works full time and juggles two very different age groups of activities. She's incredibly strong and I admire her constant determination.
Maria:
Oh friend, how you have taught me much! Thank you for pushing me where I need pushing, but always doing it lovingly. I will conquer my stronghold, with your encouragement always behind me. Maria has 5 kids. I honestly don't know how she does it without going crazy because her husband is away on business often. She is the GLUE in her house. She inspires me to always be gentle with my children, in my actions and my speech. She is gentle with her children and they are fabulous. She is fabulous.
Shannon:
Shannon is your die hard soccer mom. Literally. All 3 of her angels play soccer, and play it incredibly well. It's in their genes. The only thing that keeps her away from soccer practice or games is when she has to travel for her job. Even super cold, super rainy weather doesn't keep her from supporting her future Mia Hamms & little future Beckham (back off I already have dibs for my youngest). She and her husband are also complete DIY home renovators. Seriously, she's renovated two homes, and was pregnant during the 2nd house renovation. I honestly don't know how she does it.
Family photos
I have really sucked at orchestrating the taking of professional family portraits in the past several years. Thanks to my mom, we had some really great portraits taken last October and it reminded me just how important it is to mark the passing of the years. With the arrival of our little bean, I knew that I needed to schedule some sitting time. My sweet friend, Lauren, who I know from church. is an amazing photographer. I stalked her business blog and immediately knew I wanted her to do some newborn photos and family photos. We worked out that she would come take pictures in the few weeks after Bean was born, which really was kismet because my Mom would be in town helping us at the time. Cut to the weeks after the baby was born and as they say, "The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry..." Dear Husband and I were so sick, hacking out a lung every couple of minutes, not to mention we looked underslept and overtired. In a nutshell, the newborn photos I so desperately wanted and planned for never happened. It still upsets me.
Spring in Texas is all about one thing...BLUEBONNETS. If you live in Texas, you MUST take some photos in the spring bluebonnets. I cornered Lauren after bible study several weeks ago and prayed she still had some open time to snap some pics before the bluebonnets were gone. This last weekend we met her amongst a field of bluebonnets and the most SPECTACULAR red poppies. Hoppity Hop on over to her blog and have a sneak peak!
Spring in Texas is all about one thing...BLUEBONNETS. If you live in Texas, you MUST take some photos in the spring bluebonnets. I cornered Lauren after bible study several weeks ago and prayed she still had some open time to snap some pics before the bluebonnets were gone. This last weekend we met her amongst a field of bluebonnets and the most SPECTACULAR red poppies. Hoppity Hop on over to her blog and have a sneak peak!
Apr 4, 2011
Guest Blogger!
This week I have the privilege of being the featured guest blogger on the DFW Cloth Diaper Group blog page. It's my account of journeying into the world of cloth diapers. A little ditty about how I got started, if you will. I am really so honored to get to share my story. Go have a looksie! CLICK HERE
Mar 18, 2011
Day 15 : 60 days of photos
Go to Italy.
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Mar 16, 2011
Mar 14, 2011
Mar 12, 2011
Day 12 : 60 Days of photos
Food from home. Combo burrito with red, on homemade thick flour tortillas and real sopapillas. Delish!
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Mar 11, 2011
Day 11 : 60 days of photos
Day 11 - a photo of something you hate
Hate is a strong word. I don't hate anyone or anything. Okay, in all honesty the things I hate I don't have a photo for, such as, gossip, hypocrisy, narrow mindedness. So I'll post something...ahem...someone I really don't like.
Why don't I like Kirk Herbstreit? He HATES on the Frogs & can never give us the respect we deserve. He's a douche. Even after a Rose Bowl win he still couldn't say anything nice. He's disrespected us too many times. I, personally, find it hilarious that he's having to move to Tennessee because the fans of his OWN alma matter dislike him so much. That's pretty sad, Herbie, that your beloved OSU doesn't even like you. You could always move to Fort Worth. *wink wink*
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Mar 10, 2011
Day 10: 60 days of photos
This isn't even a quarter of us, but my Paines. We are always doing something crazy when we are together. Practical jokes, toe writing, and self portraits are always a guarantee!
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Mar 9, 2011
Day 9 : 60 days of photos
My husband! Isn't he a handsome guy?! He's been through thick and thin with me and believed in me when I didn't believe in myself. He shows me agape love constantly and consistently.
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Mar 8, 2011
Day 8 : 60 days of photos
My husband being the Christmas ninja.
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Mar 3, 2011
Day 7: 60 days of photos
My family...but more specifically, my beautiful children.
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Mar 1, 2011
Day 6 : 60 days of photos
Day 6 - A photo of a person you'd like to trade places with for a day.
Beth Moore - I'd love to know half of what she knows. She's helped move me so far in my walk. Thanks Beth!
Beth Moore - I'd love to know half of what she knows. She's helped move me so far in my walk. Thanks Beth!
Feb 28, 2011
Day 5 : 60 days of photos
Day 5 - A photo of your favorite memory
There is so much to pick from. I could put a million pictures. This represents the day my little family officially began. My dad and my uncle were singing to us on our wedding day. It was so special.
Feb 27, 2011
Day 4 : 60 days of photos
Day 4 - A photo of your favorite night
In the past year, the night my little Bean was born. Contractions aside, it was magical and a blessing.
Feb 26, 2011
New Diapers: First Impressions
A couple of days ago we bought some new cloth diapers for our little bean. She'd outgrown the newborn diapers and we needed to up size. I loved the bumGenius 3.0 AIO (All In One) diapers we have used for the first couple of months, so I was anxious to pick up some more great choices. Thanks to Sharni and Ashley at the The Nappy Shoppe I came home with some fabulous choices. We've been using them for the first time today. Below are my first impressions of the new diapers.
This is a waterproof cover in which you lay the absorbent inserts. I bought some of Sharni's G-Flapper inserts which, after only 3 uses, I can say are FABULOUS!! We buttoned down our cover to the bottom snap, to get them as small as possible. After that adjustment they seemed to fit Bean very well. They took some practice stuffing and getting on, but really seem to be a great alternative to the AIO diapers we used first. Plus, the print we used today (see picture) is SUPER cute and who doesn't love that the little velcro tabs are shaped like hands. Brad observed this precious feature during a mid afternoon diaper change and thought it was a cute touch.
This is a pocket diaper that you can stuff with the appropriate number of inserts you need. For instance, you will probably need more absorbency for night time when the diaper is on the longest, so you can double up inserts. I like the long velcro straps that are covered with fabric. Makes for a tidy look. Plus you can really get the diaper snug on little ones like my Bean. Since we bought the one size diaper, and it's supposed to last up to 35 lbs, it can seem a little overwhelming. We snapped it down to the lower snaps and I stuffed it with both inserts. I realize now that I probably only need one insert for daytime. This diaper seemed so big on her, but it didn't leak at all. I'm anxious to give it a couple of more tries. Another bonus...I bought it in TCU purple.
I loved our bumGenius 3.0 AIOs that we used from birth until now. So easy to use, just like a disposable diaper, but without the waste. Super easy to wash, and they came in a bunch of adorable colors. This time around we are trying out the 4.0 One Size pocket diapers. The idea is the same as the Happy Heinys, that they will last up to the time we potty train. We snapped the one I washed down to the smallest size and inserted both inserts. Other than the fact that she looked like she had a bumble bee butt, from being so stuffed, this diaper held up through a long nap and a feeding. No leaking at all! I think I'll just stuff this with one insert during the day. I decided on the one size BGs to try out the snap closures, over the hook and loop. Pretty easy! The one con I might have so far, which really isn't a con, is that you can only stuff the insert from one side, as opposed to my Thirsties which are stuffable from both ends.
This is a waterproof cover in which you lay the absorbent inserts. I bought some of Sharni's G-Flapper inserts which, after only 3 uses, I can say are FABULOUS!! We buttoned down our cover to the bottom snap, to get them as small as possible. After that adjustment they seemed to fit Bean very well. They took some practice stuffing and getting on, but really seem to be a great alternative to the AIO diapers we used first. Plus, the print we used today (see picture) is SUPER cute and who doesn't love that the little velcro tabs are shaped like hands. Brad observed this precious feature during a mid afternoon diaper change and thought it was a cute touch. 
This is a pocket diaper that you can stuff with the appropriate number of inserts you need. For instance, you will probably need more absorbency for night time when the diaper is on the longest, so you can double up inserts. I like the long velcro straps that are covered with fabric. Makes for a tidy look. Plus you can really get the diaper snug on little ones like my Bean. Since we bought the one size diaper, and it's supposed to last up to 35 lbs, it can seem a little overwhelming. We snapped it down to the lower snaps and I stuffed it with both inserts. I realize now that I probably only need one insert for daytime. This diaper seemed so big on her, but it didn't leak at all. I'm anxious to give it a couple of more tries. Another bonus...I bought it in TCU purple.
I loved our bumGenius 3.0 AIOs that we used from birth until now. So easy to use, just like a disposable diaper, but without the waste. Super easy to wash, and they came in a bunch of adorable colors. This time around we are trying out the 4.0 One Size pocket diapers. The idea is the same as the Happy Heinys, that they will last up to the time we potty train. We snapped the one I washed down to the smallest size and inserted both inserts. Other than the fact that she looked like she had a bumble bee butt, from being so stuffed, this diaper held up through a long nap and a feeding. No leaking at all! I think I'll just stuff this with one insert during the day. I decided on the one size BGs to try out the snap closures, over the hook and loop. Pretty easy! The one con I might have so far, which really isn't a con, is that you can only stuff the insert from one side, as opposed to my Thirsties which are stuffable from both ends.
Really I bought these with my first ever batch of cloth diapers. I knew when I bought them that they would not fit our little Bean in the first month or two. My babies are little. I was right. We weren't able to really start using this diaper until about a month ago. I happened to put it on her one night and to my surprise it DID NOT LEAK! That's not to say that our other diapers were leaking all over the place, but our morning usually goes something like...wake up around 5 or 6, nurse in the bed, fall asleep, wake up around 8 and nurse again. So Bean's been in her diaper for roughly 10 hours. If I put one of the AIOs on her I would have to change her before we nursed in the early am, or at least right after. The thing is that I like her to go back to sleep after the early morning feeding. Changing her diaper always woke her up and she may or may not have been wet. I was SO excited that the Duo kept her dry. This time around I picked up two more Duos. They are definitely my choice for night diapers, and I love that I can stuff them from either end of the diaper. The only thing I get somewhat frustrated at, and really it's not a big deal unless I'm rushing to wash and dry before she goes down from the night, is that the cotton insert takes 2 cycles to dry.
I'm excited to keep trying the new stash. I recommend cloth diapering to everyone! It really is easier than you think. Seriously, go check out Sharni's shop. She is so helpful and patient and informative. She definitely gave me the confidence to cloth diaper and to enjoy it! Thanks Sharni!
Feb 25, 2011
Day 2 : 60 day photo challenge
Day 2 - A picture of you and the person you've been closest with the longest.
Thank you sister, for being there for me always! Even at the hospital in the early morning hours to bring a new baby into this world. I love you!
Feb 24, 2011
DAY 1: 60 days of photos challenge
Day 1 - A photo of yourself and 15 facts
1. This is the only picture of me that I like for the past 3 or so years.
2. I'd like to be a librarian or a professor after my kids are grown.
3. I eat, sleep, & breath TCU football. GO FROGS!
4. I strive to be the Godly woman of Proverbs 31.
5. I graduated with two minors from college, one being in religious studies, which has nothing to do with my major.
6. I can't stand anything to touch the back of my knee when I sleep.
7. I'm the fourth oldest of 19 grandchildren. My youngest first cousin is 3 years younger than my oldest child.
8. I'm Irish, Scottish, and Spanish.
9. I find folding laundry relaxing.
10. I love classic American literature.
11. Thanks to Dave Ramsey I've payed off two cars and will be debt free by the end of the year.
12. I have an obsession with wool winter coats. I buy a new one every year. My favorite is my green one from Banana Republic.
13. I love pearls. Pearls are appropriate for every occasion, in my opinion.
14. I devoted my life to Christ when I was a junior in college. It was the best decision I ever made.
15. I come from a large family and my husband is the only child of two only children. Makes for an interesting dynamic.
Jan 22, 2011
Private Benjamin
For some time I've been toying with the idea of making my blog a private blog, only to be seen by those who log in. Why, you ask? Why, after 3 years of blogging? The answer, my friends, is my children. I get this icky feeling that some weirdo could be reading my blog and somehow collecting information about my kids. As you know, if you've read my blog for any amount of time, I don't refer to my kiddos by name, only by nickname. However, in the past I have put up pictures of them. Does that invite trouble, I wonder?
There are reasons I prefer to keep it public. It's easier for my friends and family to access; I don't have to trouble my grandparents with a log in if they want to read up on my crazy thoughts; I know I have friends who read my blog but aren't "followers"; I am not so silly as to think that I have some kind of cult following and am a better read than the 20 bazillion other blogs out there.
What are your thoughts dear readers and friends (all 10ish of you)??
There are reasons I prefer to keep it public. It's easier for my friends and family to access; I don't have to trouble my grandparents with a log in if they want to read up on my crazy thoughts; I know I have friends who read my blog but aren't "followers"; I am not so silly as to think that I have some kind of cult following and am a better read than the 20 bazillion other blogs out there.
What are your thoughts dear readers and friends (all 10ish of you)??
Jan 20, 2011
Hum Drum Mum
Today, I read an article regarding why mothers become the less fashionable counterparts of their former fabulous selves. I could definitely identify with the article and began asking myself, "Self, why have you become so hum drum?" As a former fashion student (yes I have 2 degrees in fashion related areas), I used to live for all things fashion. Getting dressed every day for work was fun and inspiring, and at times a little stressful. Cut to now, and you'd never believe that I once had some style. What happened? Where did I lose my way? More importantly, can I ever get back, or am I destined for "Mom jeans" and a bad haircut and pasty skin? Will I be that woman that people look at and cringe and think, "I bet she used to be cute and stylish before she had kids?"
Here are the top reasons I think I'm headed down the chute to the land of hum drum Mum.
1. Lack of time
Seriously, I have roughly 6 hours every day to get things done around the house before I have to pick up the Petite at school. Factor in two 45 minute - 1 hr feedings for the Bean and we are down to 4 hours. These four hours are spent rushing around the house trying to wash/fold/put away laundry, pick up the house, burp/soothe/change/wash baby, and hit the grocery store or run other errands. What it comes down to is that I usually have 30 minutes to shower, get dressed, put on some makeup, and figure out what to do with my hair. It takes 10-20 minutes just to dry my hair. Based upon all that, I usually end up with a 5 minute shower, no make up, and hair in a clip or ponytail before I RUSH off to carpool, praying I'm not so far back in line that I'm the last car for pick up. Some days I don't even wash my hair, yet it still incurs the same fate of clip or ponytail.
2. Lack of income
It was easy to keep up with the trends when I was gainfully employed. Let's not forget to mention that I worked for a retail company and could buy things at the employee store for a steal, and at the very least use my retail discount. I had a reason to look hip. Transitioning onto one salary has diminished the clothing budget. I love being a SAH Mom, and I don't often look back, because the time with my children is immeasurable. I'd be crazy to say I didn't miss the free accessories I managed to score, once upon a time.
Lack of income also means no weekly mani/pedi, and less waxing maintenance. I am now my own nail tech and in charge of taming my insane eyebrows. Finding a window of uninterrupted time to actually paint my nails nicely, and let them dry without possible smudges is almost a dream. When faced with the choice late at night to paint or sleep, I have to err on the side of sleep. Most days in carpool, you can find me plucking away the strays and trying to maintain some sense of eyebrow shape.
3. Just not sensible
Let's face it, 4" heels and cute dresses just aren't practical for keeping up with an active 5 year old, a 3 month old, and two dogs who manage to create more chaos than a black friday sale at Wal-mart. My heels still hang on the shoe rack on my closet door, staring at me everyday, in hopes that I might get a wild hair and put them on. Why, after 3 years, have I not moved them or given them away? I think because they are my last tie to my former fashionable self. Oh patent leather peep toe shoes, how I love you. They are old friends who share many a good story. I wore them every day, in every type of weather, and they went with everything. These days my footwear consists of two very broken in pairs of patent leather ballet flats, a pair of Dansko clogs, and some tennis shoes. Not what I would call ground-breaking style, but all are practical and comfortable.
I can now, at least, understand why some women let themselves go when they have children. I'm fighting like hell to stay relevant and hip in some way. I refuse to become totally plain and dowdy, though I feel that way more often than not. The next time you see me, please don't judge that I might have spit up on my shirt and my wet hair in a bun. At least I made it to the shower and put on something other than sweatpants. Someday I'll figure out how to be as stylish a mother as Victoria Beckham, again.
Jan 11, 2011
G-O-A-L-S!!
I have reached the quiet time in the day when everyone is in bed, and I probably should be too. However, I've been trying to get this particular blog entry written for over a week now. So, I'm going to take the time to knock it out. Besides, I tend to do my best thinking when the day is done and all is silent and restful around my house. Hear that? Exactly! The silence in GOLDEN.
I've really been thinking about what I want to focus on this year. Last year I had 9 goals, and did fairly well. This year I want to pare it down a bit and really focus on a few things. Without further ado...
2011 Goals
1. PURGE!
No, not food. I'm speaking about purging belongings, emotions, and all things that weigh me down. Do I really need all this stuff that seems to be cluttering up my house?! The simple answer to that is NO. I plan to go room by room and purge what isn't necessary. There are so many people and places that can really use what just sits around my house. Old emotions and emotional baggage need to go too. Things I've been holding onto that do me no good and keep me stuck in pits. This also includes relationships that are not constructive or positive.
Matthew 6:19-21 tells us not to store up earthly treasures, where moth and rust destroy it, or thieves steal it, but rather store up our treasures in heaven, where they will not be destroyed or stolen. For where our treasure is, there our heart will be also.
2. GET OUT OF DEBT
Sort of goes along with my first goal. Purge that debt. We get closer and closer every month to being completely debt free. This is the year it will happen!
Romans 13:8
Owe no one anything except to love one another.
3. TITHE EVERY MONTH
When times are tough financially it's hard to give what you feel you don't already have. I know better. I know that God is faithful. He will replenish what we joyfully and cheerfully give. I have to remember this. We will faithfully give back to God what he has faithfully provided to us. After all, what is ours is really His. I love this video and it's a great reminder that all we have is only on loan to us. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upmyrinWq64
2 Corinthians 9:7
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
4. REBUILD MY SELF ESTEEM
I have battled low self esteem the past year. I'm not sure why, but it was at an all time low. This is the first time in a very very long time that I've not felt any worth. I know that God sees my worth, I just need to realize it.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
5. SPEAK WITH A GENTLE TONGUE
It may sound strange, but Michelle Duggar is a role model for me in some ways. Do I want 19 children, no? However, she is one of those mothers that I wish I could be, who speaks to her children with a gentle tone and gentle words, yet still gets results. I come from two FABULOUS parents...with a propensity for yelling and harsh tones. Unfortunately, being critical runs in my family blood, and I hear it come out of my mouth too often. My natural reaction when frustrated is to turn up the volume. While I am not one to be passive aggressive, I do have the ability to be demanding and critical. All things I want to eliminate, especially towards my children. I want them to learn to speak gently, because that is what they learn at home.
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath,but a harsh word stirs up anger.
There we have it. 5 goals to living more Christ-like in the new year. Last, I leave you with my scripture theme for the year. Thank you Andy Dalton for the inspiration!
1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefor, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.
I've really been thinking about what I want to focus on this year. Last year I had 9 goals, and did fairly well. This year I want to pare it down a bit and really focus on a few things. Without further ado...
2011 Goals
1. PURGE!
No, not food. I'm speaking about purging belongings, emotions, and all things that weigh me down. Do I really need all this stuff that seems to be cluttering up my house?! The simple answer to that is NO. I plan to go room by room and purge what isn't necessary. There are so many people and places that can really use what just sits around my house. Old emotions and emotional baggage need to go too. Things I've been holding onto that do me no good and keep me stuck in pits. This also includes relationships that are not constructive or positive.
Matthew 6:19-21 tells us not to store up earthly treasures, where moth and rust destroy it, or thieves steal it, but rather store up our treasures in heaven, where they will not be destroyed or stolen. For where our treasure is, there our heart will be also.
2. GET OUT OF DEBT
Sort of goes along with my first goal. Purge that debt. We get closer and closer every month to being completely debt free. This is the year it will happen!
Romans 13:8
Owe no one anything except to love one another.
3. TITHE EVERY MONTH
When times are tough financially it's hard to give what you feel you don't already have. I know better. I know that God is faithful. He will replenish what we joyfully and cheerfully give. I have to remember this. We will faithfully give back to God what he has faithfully provided to us. After all, what is ours is really His. I love this video and it's a great reminder that all we have is only on loan to us. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upmyrinWq64
2 Corinthians 9:7
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
4. REBUILD MY SELF ESTEEM
I have battled low self esteem the past year. I'm not sure why, but it was at an all time low. This is the first time in a very very long time that I've not felt any worth. I know that God sees my worth, I just need to realize it.
Ephesians 2:10
For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
5. SPEAK WITH A GENTLE TONGUE
It may sound strange, but Michelle Duggar is a role model for me in some ways. Do I want 19 children, no? However, she is one of those mothers that I wish I could be, who speaks to her children with a gentle tone and gentle words, yet still gets results. I come from two FABULOUS parents...with a propensity for yelling and harsh tones. Unfortunately, being critical runs in my family blood, and I hear it come out of my mouth too often. My natural reaction when frustrated is to turn up the volume. While I am not one to be passive aggressive, I do have the ability to be demanding and critical. All things I want to eliminate, especially towards my children. I want them to learn to speak gently, because that is what they learn at home.
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath,but a harsh word stirs up anger.
There we have it. 5 goals to living more Christ-like in the new year. Last, I leave you with my scripture theme for the year. Thank you Andy Dalton for the inspiration!
1 Peter 5:6-7
Humble yourselves, therefor, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.
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